An easy, visual explanation for overseas readers — from rush (igusa) to finished mat
Intro (short)
Tatami are more than floor coverings in Japan — they’re a craft, a living material, and a big part of how traditional Japanese rooms feel and smell. This article walks you through how tatami are made, from the rush fields to the finished mat, in plain English. If you prefer to watch, the video of the tatami-making process is available — paste your YouTube embed where indicated.
1) What is a tatami? (quick overview)
A tatami is a traditional Japanese floor mat. A finished tatami has three main parts:
- Omote (表) — the woven surface, traditionally made from igusa (rush) or modern alternatives (paper-woven or synthetic).
- Doko / tatami core (畳床) — the inner body (straw, compressed board, or foam).
- Heri (縁) — the fabric border sewn along the edges — or the mat may be heri-nashi (borderless).
Japanese words you’ll see in this article: igusa (rush), omote (surface), doko (core), heri (edge).
2) Main materials used in modern tatami
Rush — igusa (traditional)
- A natural plant grown especially for tatami.
- Known for its fresh grassy scent, excellent moisture regulation, and soft surface.
- Harvested seasonally and dried before weaving.
Washi paper omote (e.g., “Daiken” style)
- Paper strands twisted and treated with resin to become strong and colorfast.
- Advantages: color stability, mildew resistance, less fading than natural rush.
Synthetic/Composite omote (e.g., “Migusa” / Sekisui)
- Made from engineered polymers or blended with inorganic fillers.
- Advantages: very durable, easy to clean, wide color/pattern range.
Tatami core types (brief)
- Straw core (wara) — traditional, comfortable, good insulation; heavier and can settle over time.
- Compressed board / foam core — lighter, stable, good thermal properties; often used for modern housing.
- Hybrid cores — blends of natural and synthetic materials.
3) The tatami production process — step by step
Below is the typical flow in a professional tatami workshop. Some steps are mechanized; others rely on skilled handwork.
Step 1 — Harvest & prepare the rush (igusa)
- Rush is grown in prepared fields and usually harvested at specific seasons.
- After harvest the stalks are dried and sorted — only the best stems go to tatami omote weaving.
- Drying and storage are important; proper drying preserves color and prevents mildew.
Step 2 — Weaving the omote (surface roll)
- Rush or alternative yarns are woven into long rolls on specialized looms.
- These rolls (called tatami-omote) are prepared to standard widths and rolled for shipment to tatami shops.
- For paper or synthetic omote, the yarns are twisted and often coated for durability.
Step 3 — Making or preparing the doko (core)
- Traditional straw cores are layered and pressed; modern cores may be cut from compressed boards or molded foam.
- Cores are measured and cut to the correct tatami size (regional sizes differ — e.g., “standard” ranges around 90 × 180 cm per full mat in many areas; confirm local dimensions).
- The core surface is trimmed and smoothed for an even fit.
Step 4 — Attaching the omote to the core (the main assembly)
- The omote roll is unrolled and placed over the core.
- Craftsmen fold the edges precisely, pull the omote tightly, and tack/sew the surface to the core.
- The excess omote is trimmed; corners are folded neatly.
Step 5 — Sewing the heri (border) or finishing the edge for heri-nashi
- If a bordered mat is desired, border fabric (heri) is placed and sewn along the edge using a sewing machine made for tatami edges.
- For borderless tatami, the edges are sealed and the surface trimmed with precision; special corner finishing prevents fraying.
Step 6 — Final trimming, pressing and inspection
- The mat is pressed to ensure a flat, even surface.
- Quality checks (straightness of weave, secure seams, even edges, no loose threads).
- Mats are stored or delivered and then placed into rooms and fixed into position.
4) Types of tatami cores: pros & cons (short)
- Straw (traditional)
- Pros: natural feel, excellent insulation, authentic.
- Cons: heavy, can settle or attract pests if not maintained.
- Foam / compressed board (modern)
- Pros: light, stable, good for elevated floors or apartments.
- Cons: less “spring” underfoot; not as traditional.
- Hybrid
- Pros: balance of comfort and durability.
- Cons: depends on specific construction — ask the maker.
5) Edging (heri) vs borderless (heri-nashi)
- Heri (decorative border)
- Fabric strips available in plain, patterned, or designer options.
- Adds a visual frame and protects edges.
- Heri-nashi (borderless)
- Modern and minimalist look (often used in “Ryukyu” or half-mat layouts).
- Edges require expert finishing and sometimes adhesives; slightly higher labor cost.
6) Quality checks & finishing touches a craftsperson watches for
- Even tension across the mat (no ripples)
- Square, accurate corners and straight lines of the weave
- Secure, neatly sewn heri (if used)
- Clean surface, no loose or broken rush strands
- Stable core with no noticeable sag
7) Basic tatami care (for international homes)
- Ventilate regularly — tatami breathes; periodic airing reduces moisture and mold risk.
- Avoid soaking — wipe spills quickly with a dry/very lightly damp cloth.
- Rotate occasionally — move mats to even out sun or wear exposure.
- Use rugs in heavy-traffic areas if needed (to protect surface).
- If mold appears, consult a tatami specialist — surface treatment or replacement may be required.
8) Video: watch the tatami-making process
Paste your YouTube embed code here.
9) FAQ — short answers for overseas readers
Q: How long does it take to make a tatami?
A: From raw materials to finished mat in a professional workshop, an experienced shop can produce a mat in a day once materials (omote rolls, core) are ready. Full project timelines (measuring, production, delivery) generally take a few days to several weeks depending on demand.
Q: Can I use tatami on any floor?
A: Tatami are usually used on wooden subfloors. For modern floors (tile, concrete), ask your tatami maker about installation methods and moisture barriers.
Q: Are tatami safe for allergy sufferers?
A: Natural rush can hold allergens for some people; newer paper or synthetic omote are easier to keep clean and may be better for allergy-sensitive users.
Q: Are tatami expensive?
A: Prices vary widely by materials and core type; high-end natural rush with straw cores is pricier, while foam-core and synthetic omote lower the cost. Ask your craftsman for a detailed estimate.
10) About the author & contact
Short author bio to build trust (use as-is or edit):
Yusuke Higuchi (樋口 裕介) — tatami craftsman and owner of Higuchi Tatami Shop (樋口畳商店). A certified first-class tatami maker (一級畳製作技能士), trained in Kyoto with extensive experience in residential and traditional tatami work. For custom tatami, advice, or overseas orders, contact: [Higuchi Tatami Shop - Contact Form for International Customers].
